US President Donald Trump on Tuesday declared that violence against Tesla dealerships would be classified as domestic terrorism, warning perpetrators that they would “go through hell”. The remarks were made in a strong show of support for billionaire Tesla CEO and Trump ally, Elon Musk.
Tesla shares rebounded nearly 4% on Tuesday following the president’s declaration. This followed a significant market slump the previous day, marking Tesla’s worst single-day decline in over four years. The automaker received an additional boost as Trump visited the White House driveway to select a new Tesla for official staff use, appearing alongside Musk, who sported a black “Make America Great Again” cap.
“They’re harming a great American company,” Trump stated, referencing the wave of demonstrations targeting Tesla dealerships. “Let me tell you, you do it to Tesla and you do it to any company, we’re going to catch you, and … you’re going to go through hell.”
Tesla faces takedown protests
Police across the US are investigating a wave of attacks targeting Tesla showrooms, charging stations and vehicles as public outrage against Musk reaches new heights. Beyond these acts of vandalism, Tesla locations have become hotbeds for protest, with demonstrators wielding signs and chanting, “Elon Musk has got to go”. The backlash stems from Musk’s leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency, which has overseen sweeping federal job and budget cuts.
While many protests have remained peaceful, the rising tide of frustration has also fueled widespread reports of vandalism.
Last week, approximately 350 protesters gathered outside a Tesla dealership in Portland, Oregon. Earlier in March, nine people were arrested during a heated demonstration at a Tesla showroom in New York City. Reports have also surfaced of Tesla vehicles and showrooms being vandalised.
White House spokesperson Harrison Fields doubled down on the administration’s stance, stating, “The ongoing and heinous acts of violence against Tesla by radical Leftist activists are nothing short of domestic terror.”
However, a group organising the Tesla Takedown protests responded on social media platform Bluesky, maintaining that their actions were peaceful. “Peaceful protest on public property is not domestic terrorism. They are trying to intimidate us. We will not let them succeed,” the group wrote and urged more people to join their demonstrations.
Musk blames George Soros, LinkedIn’s Reid for protests
Earlier, Musk claimed that a coordinated effort to undermine Tesla is being orchestrated by groups allegedly linked to ActBlue, a prominent Democratic fundraising platform.
Musk claimed that five organisations, namely Troublemakers, Disruption Project, Rise & Resist, Indivisible Project and the Democratic Socialists of America are fueling the wave of Tesla protests. Musk went on to call out big-name figures he alleges are financing the movement, including billionaire investor George Soros, LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman and hedge fund mogul Herbert Sandler.
In a significant endorsement of Musk and Tesla, Trump announced he would personally purchase a Tesla Model S, a luxury electric sedan starting at approximately $80,000. Seated in the driver’s seat of a gleaming red Model S, Trump noted that while he is no longer allowed to drive, the vehicle would be kept at the White House for staff use.